It turns out some traditions transcend centuries when it comes to royalty. Read any romance novel, and you will often see the romantic notion of royalty choosing love over duty fantasized, time and time again. Yet, in reality, some of these traditions have been around since the beginning of time, which makes them harder to break. Prince Harry and Meghan Markel’s relationship showcased the ugly side of acceptance from perhaps both worlds.

Being in an interracial relationship doesn’t always come with acceptance, and perhaps we thought those days were long gone. For those of us that thought those days were over, we soon saw the truth of acceptance. Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry’s relationship soon produced hatred pouring out from various sides of the globe. Which all seemed to start at home base, the UK.

I am sure most of us saw red flags shortly after the honeymoon ended. There were indicators of how the press would either accept or try to tear the couple apart. The was no time wasted comparing hair, clothing, and anything else that the press chose to go after between the two duchesses. The problem with the new couple was that their relationship wasn’t something that could be just theirs. Prince Harry’s life had often been played on the national stage as a real-life docuseries.

So, with all eyes on Prince Harry and his new wife, the nation sat by and watched the press try to undo the Duchess of Sussex. We saw the tears, embarrassment, and sadness in her eyes on multiple occasions. I often wondered what encounters produced such reactions prior to her public outings with the family. Could none of these situations be handled privately after the public appearance to help her save face? It was so blatant and heart-wrenching, considering the fantasy we all wanted to see play out.

From problems with Meghan’s family, allegations of bullying, renovating, cooking, her taste in clothing, all the way to how she held her son, nothing was off-limits. It soon became clear that she could do no right. Instead of the royal family circling around her to try to promote a safe environment, it appeared that they often tried to distance themselves from the drama. It was hard to tell what was staged after a while, and what was no longer staged.

The Duchess of Sussex couldn’t escape the black trap. It is the trap that we often feel in the middle of living life, which restricts us from being human. So, Meghan having emotions, thoughts, reactions that many would see as normal; would be abnormal due to her race. Finally, she gets the chance to do something she has never been able to do. She gets the chance to speak out.

We are living in a different time due to our easy access to news and public relationships. Words hurt and they also travel fast today. Some might see Meghan’s words as a betrayal, but many including myself see it as a right. We have the right to stand up for ourselves, and if you ask me, having her stay silent because she is a duchess sounds sexist. This is 2021!

This is no longer 1587 when royal women were restricted from being able to control their own bodies. We are living in a modernized era with modern ideas. Meghan’s voice is the voice of strength, guidance, and direction for those of us who feel silenced. If racism is ever to be cast aside, we have to stand up for those who have been mistreated. Even if those people are duchesses. So, in the end, just to clear things up! Meghan Markel will always be the duchess with or without the title in our hearts. No matter the outcome of the interview, we will stand beside her, because We Are Meghan!